Acute Care Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant – Trauma Surgery
Position Summary
The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant in Trauma Surgery provides advanced clinical care to trauma and acute care surgical patients across the continuum of care. Working collaboratively with trauma surgeons and multidisciplinary teams, this role includes evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of critically ill and injured patients in emergency, inpatient, and intensive care settings.
Key Responsibilities
- Evaluate and manage trauma and acute care surgery patients in the emergency department, inpatient units, and intensive care unit
- Perform initial trauma assessments, daily rounding, admissions, and discharges
- Assist with trauma resuscitations and surgical procedures
- Perform bedside and operative procedures within scope of practice and training
- Order, interpret, and review diagnostic studies, including laboratory tests and imaging
- Develop and implement treatment plans in collaboration with attending trauma surgeons
- Monitor patient progress and manage acute and post-operative complications
- Provide perioperative and post-operative care for surgical patients
- Coordinate care with nursing staff, consultants, and ancillary services
- Educate patients and families regarding treatment plans and recovery expectations
- Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant medical documentation in the electronic health record
- Participate in trauma call coverage, night/weekend shifts, and quality improvement initiatives
- Adhere to trauma protocols, clinical guidelines, and regulatory standards
Qualifications
- Graduate of an accredited Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program or Physician Assistant program
- Current board certification as an ACNP or NCCPA certification as a PA
- Active or eligible state licensure
- DEA registration or eligibility
- Prior experience or training in trauma surgery, acute care surgery, or critical care preferred
Skills and Competencies
- Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills
- Ability to manage high-acuity patients in fast-paced environments
- Proficiency in trauma and bedside procedures
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Commitment to patient safety and high-quality care
Work Environment
- Level I, II, or III Trauma Center or acute care surgical service
- Rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Emergency department, operating room, inpatient units, and ICU settings